Broken Glass (Glass Complex Book 1) by John Hindmarsh

Author:John Hindmarsh
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Science Fiction
Publisher: Rexon Press, Inc
Published: 2011-05-25T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Ziangka was on course to the Xesset base; however the promise of pending battle had not diverted the captain’s intention to bring Steg before a court-martial board. The appointed defense counsel had proven almost negligently inept and Steg had ignored the man. Steg fully realized he was being railroaded out of the Fleet and the process was in its final stages.

The presiding officer addressed Steg with practiced and almost glib formality. “Lieutenant Ross—you’ve heard the case presented by the prosecuting officer, with supporting evidence from prosecution witnesses. Do you wish to call witnesses for your defense?”

Steg ignored the unspoken inference that his witnesses—if he had any—would never match those of the prosecution. He replied with matching formality.

“I do not wish to call witnesses.”

“Do you wish to make a statement to the Board?”

“Yes, sir.” Steg realized he must make some attempt to mitigate his offense. While he didn’t hold out much hope, he needed to combat the enmity flowing from Captain Gallos. He had sought shelter under the wings of the Fleet and now that shelter was fast losing substance. He suspected the House of Aluta somehow had discovered his whereabouts and brought pressure to bear on the captain. Gallos wanted his discharge from the Fleet; that was obvious to Steg.

“Very well. Proceed.” The officer hid a yawn.

“Thank you. I admit that in technical terms I did interfere with the Ziangka system. I changed the display program, and made other unauthorized incursions into the system. However, my contacts with the system were not malicious. Instead they were beneficial to the crew and to the star ship. I submit that success of the attack on the Xesset ships was aided by my actions.”

“We have seen no supporting evidence, nothing has been presented to the court in support of this ambitious and doubtful claim.”

“Major Denke—”

“While the major is a renowned Special Forces officer, he is not Fleet. Further, he is not present to assist this court. We do not accept your statement in mitigation. My fellow officers on this board agree unanimously—your interference with Ziangka’s system occurred during a period while the ship and crew were in conflict with an enemy combatant. Further, your actions were in direct contravention of a direct order issued by Captain Gallos. Therefore your actions constitute a deplorable breach of discipline and at least represented conduct prejudicial to the well-being and survival of the ship and crew. Our unanimous verdict is guilty, Mr. Ross.” He paused for effect. “The decision of the Board is that you be discharged from the service of the Imperial Fleet, without honor. Your discharge will be of immediate effect. Then, as a civilian whose presence on board ss Ziangka is unauthorized, you will be confined to quarters under guard. When we next touch down at any Imperial location, you will be expelled from the ship. Of course Fleet will arrange a standard travel warrant, for your return trip to Althere. Do you have any questions?”

“Do I have a right of appeal?” Steg was struggling to remain calm.

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